iDrive
 

Thought I would mention and am not sure if this is true for all new BMW's but it seems like I use my idrive ALL THE DAMN TIME.

In the 7 series I had a number pad to dial through blue tooth so I didn't need the Idrive for that. I also didn't have ipod integration into the stereo.

But for some reason it feels as though the idrive system is completely connected to the daily driving experience.

It's neither a good thing or a bad thing. I do miss having the numpad in the 7 series. That was a genius feature and am shocked they did away with it. Made dialing so much easier. And no, I don't use the voice command system for anything. It's annoying as all hell.

I use my i-drive for just about everything too (on my 4.8i) but it does get annoying without a 'back' button. Click on the wrong item and you pretty much have to hit the menu button and start over!

The phone feature through i-drive is too cumbersome; having to scroll and click on each digit to call a number. I do love the voice dialing and use it everyday! Simply say 'dial number' and you can say the whole 10 digit number without pausing and it gets it right everytime! In fact I don't think it's ever got it wrong.

Other voice commands I commonly use are 'sat radio' or 'aux audio' for the ipod without having to hit the mode button several times. The lag time is also annoying. If you hit 'mode' for radio, you have to wait for it to kick in or you might be on to the next mode such as CD...But I guess you don't have that problem with the next gen i-drive!

Now, that would mean I would have to remember numbers that I need to dial. That ain't gonna happen. I haven't used the voice dial option ever! Now I wonder why I ever ticked that option...
But idrive does rock.

Well you could store numbers by name and then just say "Call home..." with one click of the steering wheel button - while your phone is still in your pocket.

So true, call me lazy:dunno: I just dail using the phone book.

I`m getting jealous re all B-Line's postings.........anyone else feel the jealousy too?!

Cheers,

Yeah........
He's just trying to call attention to all the
"gizmos" he has in his new ride.....:bustingup:bustingup